LAHORE — Inflation and a struggling economy have forced many Pakistanis to shop at second-hand bazaars to buy clothing and shoes with which to celebrate the Eid holiday, marking the end of Ramadan.
For those interested in quality used items, Lunda bazaars are a great place to shop. They provide relief for the poor and those who have been hardest hit by inflation and the economic crisis. ‘Lunda’ refers to markets that sell goods at throwaway prices.
Lahore’s Lunda bazaar is famous for selling to the poor, but also attracts customers from all segments of society looking for discount apparel and used household items.
“Before the Lunda bazaar, it was impossible for me to buy new clothes for the children on my husband’s meager income,” said Raheela, a housewife and mother of four. “I can’t even think of buying new things in this inflation, when it is even hard to keep the kitchen stocked.”
Consignments of used clothes and other items come from the U.S. and Europe. All kinds of second-hand clothing, accessories and household furnishings are available at deeply discounted prices, but the economy has even limited demand in this market. Some consumers have complained about price-gouging.
“Stall owners demand higher prices as they know we have no alternative,” said one customer. “You have to bargain with them for a favorable price.”
The merchants say, however, that the poor economy has to be taken into consideration when pricing second-hand merchandise. “It is not possible to sell items at old rates when we have to provide for our own families,” said Fazlu, a stall owner. “We are also victims of inflation.”
Shopkeepers and customers alike lament that goods are increasingly out of reach for the common man, with little relief in sight.
source: www.centralasiaonline.com
No comments:
Post a Comment